SbtH. 


A 


SERMON, 

PREACHED  AT  LITCHFIELD, 

BEFORE  THE 

Foreign  Mission  Society 

OF 

LITCHFIELD  COUNTY, 

AT  THEIR  ANNUAL  MEETING,  FEBRUARY  15,  1815. 


BY  J O SEP n HARVEY,  A.  M. 

fASTOR  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST  IN  GOSHEN,  CONN. 


Many  shall  run  to  and  fro,  and  knowledge  shall  be  increased. 

DANIEL. 


NEW-HAVEN : 

HUD  SO. Y y WOODWARD , PRLXTEKS. 


•S,. 


1815. 


AT  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Foreign  Mission  Society  for 
the  County  of  Litchfield,  held  at  Litchfield,  Feb.  15,  1815, 


His  Excellency  JOHN  COTTON  SMITH  chosen  President , 
Rev.  LYMAN  BEECHER, 


Vice-Presidents , 


Rev.  JONATHAN  MILLER, 

JAMES  MORRIS,  Esq.  Secretary , 

URIEL  HOLMES,  Esq.  Treasurer, 

Hon.  FREDERICK  WOLCOTT,  Auditor  : 


Voted,  “ That  the  Secretary  present  the  thanks  of  the  Soci- 
ety to  the  Rev.  Joseph  Harvey,  for  his  Sermon  delivered  this 
day,  and  request  a copy  of  the  same,  to  be  printed;  and  that  the 
Secretary  cause  it  to  be  done  at  the  expense  of  the  Society.” 


A true  cofiy  of  record.  Test , 

JAMES  MORRIS,  Secretary. 


N.  B.  The  amount  of  subscriptions  and  donations  of 
the  Foreign  Mission  Society  for  the  County  of 
Litchfield,  is  as  follows- 


-viz : 


February  1813, 
Do.  1814, 
Do.  1815, 


Total, 


$ 1354  11 
810  70 
949  19 

S 3114  00 


And  the  seventh  Angel  sounded;  and  there  were  great  voices  in  Heaven,  say- 
ing, the  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Loid, 
and  of  his  Christ ; and  he  shail  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

Revelation,  xi.  15th. 


It  appears  from  this  passage  of  scripture  that 
this  world  is  not  given  over  of  God,  nor  doomed  lo per- 
petual wretchedness.  Though  Satan  hath  here  set  up 
his  kingdom,  and  hath  but  too  well  succeeded  in  lead- 
ing multitudes  to  perdition,  and  tilling  the  earth  with 
mounting , lamentation  and  wo  ; his  kingdom  will  not 
stand  ; he  cannot  support  it.  Though  the  mystery  of 
iniquity  now  works,  and  wicked  men,  like  raging 
waves  of  the  sea,  foam  out  their  own  shame ; these 
things  will  have  an  end.  For  God  hath  set  his  king 
upon  his  holg  hill  of  Zion . He  hath  declared  the  de- 
cree : The  heathen  are  given  to  Christ  for  an  inheri- 
tance and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  a posses- 
sion. The  covenant  of  redemption  is  revealed,  from 
which  it  appears  that  the  Son  of  God  hath  made  the 
purchase  of  this  world  by  his  own  blood  : and  hav- 
ing paid  the  price  of  purchase,  he  hath  early  entered 
on  the  work  of  securing  his  purchase  by  conquest. 
This  work  has  been  gradually  unfolding  in  every  age 
of  the  world  ; and  its  result  is  clearly  predicted  in  the 
Bible. 

John,  in  prophetic  vision,  had  a view  of  this  work ; 
he  marked  its  progress,  and  traced  it  down  to  its  glo- 
rious termination.  He  witnessed  the  triumph  of  the 
Redeemer,  and  heard  it  celebrated  in  the  praises  of 
the  church.  Of  these  discoveries  he  "fives  us  a des- 


cription  in  the  text.  This  description  being  prophet- 
ic, the  text  is  really  a prediction  of  the  event  which  it 
describes.  The  event  then  is  certain  ; as  certain  as 
the  word  and  promise  of  God  can  make  it.  The  time 
will  come  when  all  the  kingdoms  and  governments  of 
this  world  will  be  given  to  Christ,  and  he  will  reign 
unrivalled  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from  the  river  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth. 

But  w hat  is  all  this  to  us  ? It  cannot  be  expected 
that  we  should  overturn  kingdoms,  convert  idolaters, 
and  revolutionize  the  w orld.  This  is  God's  work ; in 
his  own  time  he  will  perform  it;  and  wre  must  wait  un- 
til that  time  comes.  True,  my  brethren,  this  is  Gods 
work. — That  is  our  encouragement.  But  it  is  Alan's 
work  also.  Unless  our  present  meeting  be  a solemn 
farce,  we  feel  it  to  be  such.  And  by  attention  to  the 
subject  we  may,  perhaps,  discover  that  the  time  for 
waiting  is  past,  and  that  the  time  for  acting  has  arrived. 
Long  enough  have  we  stood  still  to  see  the  salvation 
of  God- — Now  the  command  is,  “speak  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  that  they  go  forward." 

As  we  are  now'  assembled  to  offer  our  services  to 
Christ  for  the  extension  of  his  kingdom,  as  we  profess 
to  volunteer  under  the  standard  of  the  Saviour,  it  may 
be  useful  to  know,  w hat  there  is  for  us  to  do,  and  what 
degree  of  exertion  the  present  time  demands.  That 
these  important  enquiries  may  be  answered,  let  me 
solicit,  your  attention, 

I.  To  the  manner  in  which  the  event  described  in 
the  text,  w ill  be  accomplished — and 

II.  To  the  evidence  that  the  period  of  its  accom- 
plishment is  now'  drawing  near. 

1.  This  event  will  be  brought,  to  pass,  by  the  use  of 
appointed  means,  and  the  instrumentality  of  human 
exertions. 

The  kingdom  of  Christ  will  be  established,  prima- 
rily and  chiefly,  in  the  hearts  of  men.  <By  a new  cov- 
enant, w ritten  on  their  hearts,  will  the  allegiance  of 
sinners  to  the  Saviour  be  secured.  Therefore,  the 
weapons  of  this  “ warfare  are  not  carnal , but  mighty 
through  God , to  the  pulling  down  of  strong  holds." 


The  appointed  means  of  civilizing-  and  christianiz- 
ing the  heathen,  and  of  salvation  to  every  sinner,  is 
the  word  of  God.  This  is  the  sword  of  the  Spirit , 
by  which  the  victories  of  the  cross  are  to  he  achieved. 
Every  one  then  who  attempts  any  thing  in  this  cafise, 
must  go  with  the  Bible  in  his  hands. — But  in  order 
that  the  word  of  God  should  take  its  full  effect,  it  must 
be  translated  into  the  various  languages  of  the  earth; 
its  great  truths  must  be  explained  and  enforced  by  the 
ministers  of  Christ. — For  how  shall  they  believe  in  him 
of  whom  they  have  not  heard , and  how  shall  they  hear 
without  a preacher  ? This  is  the  reasoning  of  an  in- 
spired Apostle,  and  therefore  conclusive.  Here  then 
is  the  place  for  human  exertions.  Labourers  must  be 
employed  in  translating  the  scriptures  ; the  Heralds  of 
the  Gospel  must  go  forth  to  preach  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ  in  heathen  lands.  But  “ how  shall  they 
preach,  except  they  be  sent?"  There  must  then  be 
some  to  send  them,  some  who  are  willing  to  support 
them,  by  a liberal  dedication  of  their  property  to  this 
work. 

Thus  the  work  is  so  wisely  arranged  that  all  may 
have  a part  in  it.  Those  whose  circumstances  favour, 
will  go  as  actual  labourers;  and  those  who  cannot  be 
thus  employed,  may  be  helpers  together  with  them  in 
the  same  work,  by  their  Christian  liberality.  And  God 
has  assigned  an  important  place  in  this  work  to  the 
labours  of  his  children  : Yes,  brethren,  he  has  even 
made  those  labours  necessary  for  its  accomplishment. 
He  does  not  intend  to  carry  on  this  work  by  sending 
down  tonyues  of  fire,  or  converting  stones  into  Bibles. 
He  chooses  rather  to  elevate  and  enlarge  the  happiness 
of  his  children,  by  engaging  them  in  the  work.  He 
intends  to  open  their  hearts,  to  enkindle  their  zeal,  to 
rouse  their  energies,  and  bless  their  efforts.  Ho  has 
opened  a door  that  they  may  gain  unfading  honours  in 
the  service  of  Christ.  Here,  those  who  have  given 
their  hearts  to  Christ,  and  are  ready  to  leave  all  for 
him  ; here,  those  who  love  his  kingdom,  and  long  to 
see  the  earth  filled  with  righteousness  and  peace  ; are 
favoured  with  an  opportunity  to  shew  their  faith  by 


' ( « ) 

their  works.  If  you  wish  to  enlist  under  Jesus  Christ, 
and  be  active  in  the  w ork  of  all  holy  beings  ; here  God 
has  offered  you  the  privilege  ; the  Saviour  will  accept 
your  services;  he  has  required  them.  “ Go  ye  into  all 
the  world,  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.” — 
Here  is  work,  and  it  is  work  designed  for  man — This 
is  the  part  which  Christ  assigned  to  his  followers  ; and 
for  the  performance  of  it,  he  will  hold  them  accounta- 
ble. 

2.  This  event  will  be  accomplished  by  the  special 
effusions  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

We  have  seen  that  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  this 
world  w ill  be  established  on  the  basis  of  a new  crea-r 
tion.  The  event  described  in  the  text  then  implies  a 
radical  and  universal  change  in  the  human  character. 
For  this  work  means  and  human  exertions  alone  are 
insufficient.  This  is  the  peculiar  work  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. — Consequently  we  find  numerous  promises  in 
scripture  concerning  the  effusions  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
last  days.  We  are  informed  that  the  period  immedi- 
ately preceding  the  Millennium  will  be  greatly  distin- 
guished by  these  operations. — Revivals,  great  and 
extensive  beyond  all  former  example,  are  foretold  as 
the  joyful  prelude  to  the  great  and  notable  day  of  the 
Lord.  “ And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  clays , 
(saith  God ) I will  pour  out  my  spirit  upon  all  flesh." 
“ / will  pour  water  upon  him  that  is  thirsty , and  floods 
upon  the  dry  yround  ; I will  pour  my  spirit  upon  thy 
seed , and  my  blessing  upon  thine  offspring.  They  shall 
spring  up  as  among  the  grass,  and  as  willows  by  the 
water  courses." 

The  day  of  Pentecost  afforded  an  example  of  this 
w ork  ; other  examples  have  follow  ed  ; but  the  full  ex- 
tent of  the  blessing  is  yet  future.  Many  days  of  Pen- 
tecost will  yet  be  seen  on  earth,  in  w hich  multitudes 
w'ill  be  born  a train.  “ A little  one  shall  become  a thou- 
sand,  and  a small  one  a strong  nation  ; l the  Jwrd 
will  hasten  it  in  his  time."  “ Who  are  these  that  ffy  as 
clouds  and  as  doi'es  to  their  windows,"  exclaims  the 
prophet,  in  view  of  the  multitudes  that  should  in  the 
last  days  Hock  to  the  standard  of  Christ.  “ 11  ho  hath 


heard  such  a thiny ; who  hath  seen  such  things  ; shall 
the  earth  he  made  to  briny  forth  in  one  day  ; shall  a na- 
tion be  born  at  once  ?"  “ For  as  soon  as  Zion  travailed, 
she  brouyiit forth  her  children."  Thus,  by  the  power- 
ful operations  of  the  spirit  in  blessing  human  exert  ions, 
will  the  kingdom  of  Christ  suddenly  break  torth  on 
every  side.  Revival  will  meet  revival  ; the  waters  of 
the  sanctuary,  uniting  their  force,  will  flow  in  deep- 
er and  broader  streams,  until  the  earth  is  tilled  with 
the  glory  of  God.  This  is  the  preparatory  work  ;*md 
what  follows,  is  the  Millennium  itself. 

Thus  we  see  that  the  event  described  in  our  text  is 
the  result  of  a regular  system.  The  word  of  God  is 
the  means  ; the  friends  of  Christ  are  the  instruments ; 
and  the  efficient  Agent  is  the  Holy  Spirit:  that  same 
spirit  which  moved  upon  the  face  of  the  waters  in  the 
first  creation  of  the  world  ; the  same  Almighty  Power 
which  yarnished  the  heavens,  and  which  upholds  the 
universe.  If  the  event  be  great,  great  also  is  the  pow- 
er engaged  for  its  accomplishment. 

While  then  the  people  of  God  are  praying  and  la- 
bouring for  the  good  of  Zion;  while  they  are  trans- 
lating the  Bible  into  the  various  languages  of  the  earth, 
and  sending  the  gospel  to  the  heathen  ; while  they 
are  devoting  their  treasures  and  their  children  to  the 
work  ; the  spirit  of  God  will  be  poured  out  more  and 
more ; the  barriers  of  idolatry  and  superstition  will 
give  wav ; floods  will  descend  from  above,  and  rivers 

O %/  ' 

rise  beneath;  idols  and  temples  will  fall;  the  empire  of 
Satan  be  demolished,  and  the  kingdoms  of  this  world 
become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ. 
Then  will  the  sun  of  righteousness  arise  upon  the  na- 
tions with  light  and  glory.  It  will  be  like  a morning 
w ithout  clouds  ; the  beginning  of  that  happy  period, 
when  the  saints  shall  live  and  reign  with  Christ  a thou- 
sand years.  But  unbelief  is  ready  to  ask,  “ Where  is 
the  promise  of  his  coming  ? for  since  the  fathers  fell 
asleep,  all  things  continue  as  they  were  from  the  be- 
ginning of  the  creation  ;”  and  sloth  is  ready  to  sub- 
join, “ The  time  has  not  come,  the  time  that  the  Lord’s 
house  should  be  built.”  I shall  proceed  then  to  shew, 


II.  That  the  period  when  the  event  described  in  the 
text  will  be  accomplished,  is  now  drawing1  near. 

It  will  here  be  necessary  to  observe  a distinction, 
between  the  Millennium  itself,  and  that  period  imme- 
diately preceding  it,  in  which  the  predictions  near- 
ly connected  with  the  Millennium  will  be  fulfilled. — 
The  Millennium  properly  means  the  thousand  years 
during  which  the  saints  will  reign  with  Christ  on 
earth.  At  the  commencement  of  the  Millennium 
then,  the  affairs  of  the  church  will  be  settled,  all 
nations  united  under  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  prepar- 
atory work  fully  accomplished.  But  there  must  be  a 
period  previous  to  this,  scarcely  less  interesting  than 
the  Millennium  itself,  when  the  course  of  events  will 
assume  a decided  character,  and  the  light  of  the  Mil- 
lennium will  be  clearly  seen  ; when  the  tribes  of  Is- 
rael will  be  restored,  and  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles 
gathered  in  ; and  when  the  great  points  at  issue  be- 
tween Christ  and  his  enemies  will  be  settled  by  their 
destruction.  This  latter  period  may  be  considered  as 
the  dawn  of  the  Millennium,  and  will  doubtless  em- 
brace several  years  before  the  Millennium  actually 
commences. 

It  will  be  my  particular  object  in  this  part  of  the 
discourse  to  shew  that  we  have  now  entered  upon  that 
period  which  is  immediately  preparatory  to  the  Mil- 
lennium, which  is  the  dawn  of  the  latter  day  glory. 

That  such  is  the  fact,  I argue, 

1.  From  the  time  when  the  Millennium  itself  w ill 
probably  commence. 

Most  writers  on  the  prophecies  have  fixed  the  com- 
mencement of  the  Millennium  somewhere  near  the 
seven  thousandth  year  of  the  world,  or  the  year  two 
thousand  of  the  Christian  era.  No  calculations,  1 be- 
lieve, have  carried  the  Millennium  beyond  this  period, 
though  some  have  come  short  of  it.  And  there  is  a 
strong  probability,  that  the  thousand  years,  immediate- 
ly succeeding  the  first  six  thousand  of  the  world,  w ill 
be  the  thousand  years  of  rest  to  the  church  on  earth. 
This  probability  is  grounded  on  the  fact,  that  God 
has  in  various  instances  set  apart  a seventh  part  of 


lime  as  an  holy  lest.  Examples  of  this  fact  we  have 
in  the  Sabbath,  and  in  the  institutions  of  the  Jewish 
church.  We  may  then  lie  allowed  to  assume  it  as  a 
strong-  probability,  that  the  seven  thousandth  year  of 
the  world,  at  the  longest,  will  be  the  commencement 
of  the  Millennium. 

But  if  the  seven  thousandth  year  of  the  world  is  to 
see  the  earth  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  God,  the  Bi- 
ble read  in  all  languages,  the  Gospel  preached  to  every 
creature,  and  all  nations  converted  to  Christianity, 
then  the  present  time  must  be  near  to  the  most  impor- 
tant events.  Five  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen 
years  are  already  gone  ; but  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
two  years  now  remain. 

And  w ithin  this  comparatively  short  period  of  time, 
what  an  amazing  change  is  to  be  effected  in  the  state 
of  the  world  ! What  revivals  of  religion,  what  libe- 
rality and  zeal  among  the  friends  of  Christ,  what  suc- 
cess attending  the  Gospel  in  heathen  lands,  must  un- 
doubtedly be  soon  witnessed  on  earth ! And  what 
mighty  revolutions  among  the  nations ; what  great 
events  must  be  rolling  on  in  the  wheels  of  Providence, 
and  many  of  them  nigh  at  hand  ! Is  it  not  high  time 
for  the  friends  of  Christ  to  awake  out  of  sleep  ? For 
if  they  were  all  now  to  unite,  heart  and  hand,  and 
exert  themselves  to  the  uunost  of  their  power,  the 
work  would  be  great,  and  the  time  short.  We  may 
suppose  there  will  be  some  analogy  between  the  ad- 
vance of  this  work  and  the  dawn  of  the  natural  day. 
If  so,  we  are  clearly  brought  into  the  morning  twil  ight 
of  the  Millennium.  The  dawn  may  now  be  seen  by 
those  who  can  discern  the  signs  of  the  times.  We 
have  now  entered  upon  that  period  which  is  immedi- 
ately preparatory  to  the  Millennium;  a period  which 
must  be  filled  with  wonders  of  grace.  For  as  the 

time  shortens  the  work  will  be  hastened.  And  though 

© 

we  may  not  live  to  see  the  Millennium  itself,  we  may 
see,  and  many  of  us  shall  see  those  great  events,  those 
decisive  tokens  of  its  approach,  which  will  till  every 
benevolent  heart  with  joy.  Our  children  will  see  still 

' B 


( 10  ) 

greater  things,  and  theirs  still  greater,  even  down  to 
the  Millennium. 

2.  I argue  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  the  great 
things  described  in  the  text,  from  particular  prophecies 
respecting  them. 

Particular  prophecies  are  mentioned,  because  ] shall 
not  attempt  to  explore  the  wide  held  of  prophecy,  or 
to  discuss  the  contested  points  in  it,  concerning  which 
the  opinions  of  others  have  been  divided.  But  how- 
ever writers  on  the  prophecies  may  have  differed  res- 
pecting certain  points,  it  is  conceived  that  there  is 
enough  in  prophecy,  concerning  which  there  can  be 
no  dispute,  to  shew  us  most  clearly  that  the  time  of 
the  end  is  drawing  near,  and  that  we  now  live  in  the 
last  days. 

There  is  one  class  of  prophecies  which  describe 
events,  in  a regular  series,  observing  strict  chronolo- 
gical order.  In  the  light  of  these,  though  we  may 
not  be  able  to  ascertain  precise  dates,  yet  we  may  learn 
the  nearness  of  subsequent  events,  from  those  which 
have  already  transpired.  By  observing  the  course  of 
events,  we  may  learn  what  place  we  hold  in  the  series, 
and  what  we  may  next  expect. 

Of  this  class  is  the  prophetic  vision  of  Daniel  res- 
pecting the  four  beasts.  Daniel  saw  four  great  beasts 
arise  out  of  the  sea,  representing  so  many  great  king- 
doms or  empires  which  were  to  exist  on  the  earth. 
The  last  beast  had  ten  horns,  and  among  them  came 
up  a little  horn,  which  destroyed  three  of  the  first  horns, 
and  received  power  to  persecute  the  saints.  Immedi- 
ately after  this  last  power  the  prophet  saw  one  like  the 
>Son  of  Mail,  to  whom  was  given  dominion  andylory , 
and  a : kinydom,  that  all  people , nations  and  tonyues 
shov  Id  serve  him.  llis  dominion  is  an  everlastiny  do- 
minion that  shall  not  pass  arvay,  and  his  kinydom  that 
which  shall  not  be  destroyed. 

Here  we  have  described  a regular  series  of  events 
from  the  time  of  the  prophet  down  to  the  full  and  glo- 
rious establishment  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  And 
the  important  truth  here  brought  to  view  is,  that  there 
would  be  but  four  general  kingdoms  in  this  connec- 


( >1 ) 

lion  before  the  kingdom  of  the  Messiah.  The  last  of 
these  general  kingdoms  was  represented  as  ultimately 
divided  into  ten  kingdoms,  and  as  giving  rise  to  a pe- 
culiar power,  small  in  its  beginning  but  mighty  in  its 
progress,  which  would  grievously  persecute  the  church 
of  Christ. 

Now  then,  what  place  do  we  hold  in  this  regular 
course  of  events  ? The  Babylonian  empire  has  long 
since  passed  away  ; the  empire  of  the  Modes  and  Per- 
sians has  succeeded  and  fallen  ; the  Grecian  empire 
has  followed  them  ; the  Roman  and  last  empire  has 
long  since  passed  its  meridian.  With  its  iron  teeth,  it 
has  devoured  and  broken  in  pieces  and  stamped  the 
residue  with  its  feet.  It  has  been  divided  into  ten 
kingdoms,  and  they  have  grown  old ; many  of  them 
have  already  departed,  and  the  remainder  are  tottering 
to  their  fall.  The  little  horn,  by  which  we  are  doubt- 
less to  understand  the  church  of  Home,  has  arisen 
more  than  twelve  centuries  ago,  it  has  plucked  up 
three  of  the  first  horns  of  the  beast,  it  has  spoken  great 
things,  it  has  persecuted  the  saints  for  a long  course 
of  years ; it  has  at  length  declined,  and  now  merely 
exists.  And  what  comes  next  ? To  whom  will  the 
dominion  be  next  given  ? What  is  the  next  general 
kingdom  that  will  be  established  on  earth  ? The  text 
will  afford  us  an  answer.  Must  we  not  believe  that 
the  way  is  now  preparing  for  the  establishment  of  the 
last  great  and  blessed  kingdom  of  this  world  ? Must 
not  the  time  be  near  when  the  God  of  heaven  will  set 
up  that  kingdom  which  shall  never  be  destroyed? 
While  we  see  the  power  of  the  fourth  beast  in  all  its 
forms  nearly  exhausted,  while  we  see  his  thrones  and 
kingdoms  shaking  and  falling,  must  not  the  time  be 
at  hand  when  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  will  be- 
come the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ  ? 

The  same  course  of  events  is  brought  to  view  in 
the  dream  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  and  the  same  result  is 
predicted.  But  upon  this  it  will  not  be  necessary  nowT 
to  dwell. 

There  is  another  class  of  prophecies,  which  point 
out  the  period  of  certain  events  by  giving  us  the  dif- 


( 12  ) 

ferctice  of  time  between  them  and  other  events  which 
precede  them.  Of  this  class  are  the  prophecies  of 
Daniel  concerning  the  fall  of  the  Romish  church,  the 
fall  of  Mahommedan  delusion,  and  the  restoration  of 
Israel.  Of  the  same  class  is  the  prophecy  of  John 
concerning  the  witnesses,  and  the  continuance  of  their 
trials.  Thus  Daniel  informs  us  that  the  power  of  the 
church  of  Rome,  should  continue  a time,  limes,  and 
the  dividing  of  a time.  That  is,  that  this  period  would 
intervene,  between  the  rise  of  the  Romish  church,  as  a 
persecuting  power,  and  its  fall. 

If  then  we  can  rightly  understand  this  period,  and 
ascertain  its  beginning,  it  may  guide  to  an  important 
result. 

7 'he  time,  and  times,  and  the  dividing  of  a lime,  is 
supposed  to  mean  three  prophetic  years  and  an  half; 
and  as  days  in  prophecy,  mean  natural  years,  three 
prophetic  years  and  an  half,  will  be  as  many  natural 
years  as  there  are  days  in  three  years  and  an  half, 
reckoning  -3(H)  days  to  the  year,  according  to  ancient 
computation.  This  will  make  1200  natural  years. 
At  the  close  of  this  period  the  church  of  Rome  will 
fall.  Rut  when  did  this  period  begin  ? The  church 
of  Rome  became  a distinct  power,  according  to  some, 
in  the  year  606 ; according  to  others,  a little  later.  Rut 
if  we  fix  on  the  year  606,  which  is  probably  the  cor- 
rect time  when  this  power  arose  ; then  its  fall  will  be 
about  the  year  I860,  which  is  52  years  from  this  time. 

Rut  this  period  is  not  only  important  to  teach  us 
when  the  Papal  power  will  become  extinct;  it  also 
teaches  us  the  time  of  other  great  events  preparatory 
to  the  Millennium.  The  same  period  of  42  prophetic 
months,  or  1260  prophetic  days,  is  spoken  of  by  John 
as  limiting  the  prophecy  ing  of  the  witnesses  in  sack- 
cloth, and  the  trials  of  the  church.  And  it  may  be 
gathered  from  Daniel  that  the  close  of  this  period  will 
bring  the  fall  of  the  Mahommedan  power,  and  the  re- 
turn of  the  Jews. 

Within  about  tidy  years  hence  then,  we  may  expect 
the  fail  of  Mystical  Babylon,  the  drying  up  of  the  riv- 
er Euphrates,  or  the  extinction  of  Mabomnvedanism, 


( >3  ) 

_and  the  restoration  of  the  ancient  people  ol  God.  To- 
wards the  close  of  this  period  also,  the  secular  enemies 
of  the  church  will  meet  their  doom  under  the  awful 
calamities  of  the  vintage.  Towards  the  close  of  lliis 
period  the  great  battle  of  Armageddon  will  be  fought, 
and  an  high  way  be  opened,  that  all  nations  may  flock 
to  the  standard  of  Christ. 

But  if  these  great  and  decisive  events  will  occur  in 
a few  years,  then  we  must  now  have  entered  upon  the 
last  days  or  the  dawn  of  the  Millennium.  Great 
things  will  be  done  before  the  church  comes  to  the 
crisis  pointed  out  in  these  predictions. 

These  clear  and  distinct  predictions  concerning  the 
time  when  the  kingdom  of  Christ  will  be  established 
on  earth,  are  not  affected  by  those  which  are  still  dark, 
and  concerning  which  different  opinions  are  enter- 
tained. 

Many  are  ready  io  conclude  that  the  witnesses  have 
not  yet  been  slain,  and  therefore  that  the  church  has 
not  yet  seen  the  time  of  her  greatest  calamities  ; that 
darker  seasons,  than  any  which  are  past,  will  inter- 
vene, between  this  time  and  the  Millennium. 

It  w ill  not  be  necessary  to  attempt  an  explanation  of 
this  subject,  in  order  to  remove  the  difficulty.*  The 
Providence  of  God  has  put  this  cpiestion  at  rest.  It  is 
now  too  late  in  the  day,  for  this  question  to  have  any 
weight  against  the  conclusion  that  the  darkest  season 
is  past,  and  that  a glorious  day  has  dawned.  Every 
thing  in  relation  to  the  church  teaches  us  that  this  ca- 
1 amity  is  past.  The  waters  of  the  sanctuary  are  ris- 
ing ; the  signs  of  day  are  continually  growing  clearer 
and  clearer.  And  who  can  believe  that  the  sun  will 
retrace  its  course,  and  all  again  be  shrouded  in  dark- 
ness ? Who  cau  believe  that  the  church  will  again  be 
reduced  to  a lower  state,  than  in  the  days  of  the  W al- 

* Note.  These  remarks  are  made  with  reference  to  the  common  senti- 
ment respecting  the  slaying  of  the  witnesses;  that  it  implies  great  and  gene- 
ral calamities  iri  the  church,  and  a general  depression  of  religion.  The  great- 
er probability,  however,  is,  that  this  event  implies  partial  calamities  merely; 
and  that  they  will  be  confined  to  particular  portions  of  the  Christian  world 
which  are  designated  in  the  prophecy.  In  this  sense,  they  will  not  affect  the 
general  interests  of  the  church  ; and  though  they  be  yet  future,  will  not  mili- 
tate against  the  train  of  reasoning  pursued  in  this  discourse. 


( 14  ) 

denses  ? How  can  the  Bible  be  recalled  which  has  al- 
ready been  dispersed  far  and  wide?  How  can  the 
precious  seed  sown  in  heathen  lands  be  gathered  up  ? 
Is  there  any  indication  of  the  approach  of  this  ca- 
lamity ? Do  we  witness  any  persecution  against  the 
church,  or  do  we  see  the  dead  bodies  of  the  witnesses 
lying  unburied,  and  insulted  ? Far  from  it.  The 
church  is  now  coming  up  from  the  wilderness,  leaning 
on  her  beloved.  She  is  laying  aside  her  sackcloth, 
and  putting  on  the  garments  of  praise.  These  joyful 
events  exclude  the  supposition  that  the  witnesses  will 
yet  be  slain  ; and  conspire  to  teach  us  that  the  light 
which  is  now  beginning  to  shine  will  shine  more  and 
more  unto  the  perfect  day. 

3.  I argue  the  near  approach  of  the  event  described 
in  the  text,  from  present  signs  of  the  times. 

If  our  reasoning  on  the  subject  has  been  correct,  the 
dawn  of  the  latter  day  may  now  be  seen.  It  only  re- 
mains then  that  w e turn  from  reasoning  to  facts,  in  or- 
der to  complete  our  evidence  on  this  point.  It  is  ra- 
tional and  proper  to  expect  signs  of  the  Millennium 
before  it  arrives.  “ Behold,"  says  our  Saviour,  “ the 
fig  tree  and  all  the  trees,  when  they  now  shoot  forth,  ye 
know  of  your  own  selves  that  summer  is  nigh  at  hand  ; 
so  likewise  ye  when  ye  shall  see  all  these  things  come  to 

pass,  know  ye  that  the  kingdom  of  God  is  nigh  at  hand." 
And,  my  brethren,  let  us  not  be  among  those  hypo- 
crites, w ho  can  discern  the  face  of  the  sky,  but  cannot 
discern  the  signs  of  the  times. 

Our  attention  is  first  arrested  by  the  effusions  of  the 
Spirit,  which  distinguish  the  present  period.  Revivals, 
we  have  seen,  will  be  among  the  clearest  tokens  of 
the  last  days  ; and  revivals  we  now'  see  are  greatly 
multiplied  and  extended.  For  about  fifteen  years 

past, ,  there  has  been  scarcely  a time  when  the  special 
operations  of  the  Spirit  have  not.  been  visible  in  some 
part  of  the  vineyard  ; and  during  the  greater  part  of 
this  period,  there  have  been  numerous,  and  extensive 
revivals  at  the  .same  time.  These  operations  have  con- 
tinued to  become  more  and  more  frequent  and  power- 
ful. Turn  your  eyes  to  those  precious  showers  of 


( 15 ) 

Grace  which  are  now  copiously  descending  in  many 
places  ; and  what  are  these,  but  the  literal  accom- 
plishment of  what  God  has  said  concerning  the  last 
days  ? it  is  not  supposed  that  we  yet  see  the  full  ex- 
tent of  this  w ork  ; but  it  is  earnestly  contended  that 
we  see  ils  beginning.  Special  revivals,  it  is  true, 
have  been  known  in  other  times  ; for  in  no  age  of  the 
world  hath  God  left  himself  without  a witness  of  his 
power,  and  displays  of  his  sovereign  grace;  but  then 
they  have  been  solitary  instances,  a light  shining  in  a 
dark  place.  Revivals  now  assume  a new  aspect,  they 
have  become  a regular  connected  chain  of  events. 
7' hey  do  not  subside ; the  spirit  which  they  excite  is 
not  lost ; they  give  a new  tone  to  .Christian  expe- 
rience ; and  the  numerous  charitable  institutions  w hich 
have  been  their  fruits,  are  evidence,  that  they  have 
produced  a new  and  permanent  light  in  the  church. 
Especially  have  the  waste  places  of  Zion  been  re- 
builded.  Places,  which  from  time  immemorial  have 
been  valleys  of  dry  bones,  now  exhibit  the  signs  of 
spiritual  life  and  vigour.  Churches  which  have  long 
been  destitute  of  stated  ordinances,  and  had  become 
almost  extinct,  have  in  many  instances  been  refreshed 
with  the  dews  of  heaven,  and  have  the  bread  of  life 

broken  to  them.  The  friends  of  Z ion  evidentlv  take 

(/ 

pleasure  in  her  stones,  and  favour  the  dust  thereof. 
These  special  operations  of  the  Spirit  are  evidences 
of  greater  things  at  hand.  They  sow'  the  seed  of  still 
greater  revivals,  which  we  may  hope  are  near.  7'hey 
send  recruits  to  the  standard  of  Christ,  and  furnish 
the  instruments  by  which  the  kingdom  of  Christ  w ill 
be  extended.  Probably  some,  and  possibly  many,  of 
the  youth  and  children,  whom  God  is  calling  in  such 
numbers  into  his  kingdom,  may  at  some  future  day 
preach  the  Gospel  in  our  western  wilderness,  or  on  the 
plains  of  India,  and  train  up  the  children  of  idolaters 
for  the  family  of  Christ.  Who  can  tell  how  many  of 
our  pious  youth  God  may  make  chosen  vessels  unto 
himself  to  declare  his  name  among  the  heathen?  Do 
we  not  see  Christian  parents  taking  a new  interest  in 
their  little  ones,  and  viewing  them  in  a new  light,  from 


( 16  ) 

their  probable  connection  with  great  events  of  the  lat- 
ter day  ? Do  they  not  already  begin  to  breathe  over 
them  the  fervent  prayer,  that  they  may  bear  an  hon- 
ourable part  in  that  great  work,  which  will  shortly  em- 
ploy all  hands,  and  fill  all  hearts  ? 

In  addition  to  special  revivals,  the  influences  of  the 
Spirit  have  been  no  less  conspicuous,  in  succeeding 
plans  of  usefulness,  in  blessing  the  efforts  of  societies 
formed  for  the  suppression  of  vice  and  the  promotion 
of  morals.  Intemperance,  that  Goliah  of  the  present 
day,  has  (we  may  hope)  received  a mortal  wound. 
The  Sabbath  is  beginning  to  be  rescued  from  general 
profanation.  The  Magistrate  awakes  to  his  duty  ; the 
sword  of  justice  no  longer  sleeps  in  its  scabbard.  That 
which  is  as  a grain  of  mustard  seed  in  its  beginning, 
waxes  great  and  becomes  a tree.  The  friends  of  or- 
der and  religion  are  rallying  to  their  post,  and  they 
find  by  joyful  experience,  that  with  the  blessing  of 
heaven,  one  wap  chase  an  hundred , and  an  hundred 
can  put  ten  thousand  to  flight.  The  increasing  spirit 
of  missions  is  another  prominent  sign  of  the  present 
time.  Missionary  exertions  are  indeed  no  new  thing 
in  the  Christian  world.  The  Gospel  was  flrst  preach- 
ed by  Missionaries.  The  present  enlightened  nations 
of  Europe  were  converted  from  idolatry  to  Christianity 
by  the  labours  of  Missionaries.  England  ilself,  now 
the  garden  of  the  church,  was  once  the  field  of  mis- 
sionary labours  and  trials.  Her  pagan  children  were 
once  exposed  for  sale  in  the  markets  of  Rome.  We, 
my  hearers,  are  the  descendants  of  those  who  first 
heard  of  salvation  from  the  lips  of  Missionaries. 

The  argument  then  in  this  case  does  not  rest  on  the 
fact  that  a missionary  spirit  now  exists,  for  it  always 
has  existed  from  the  time  of  our  Saviour  ; but  upon 
the  fact,  that  this  spirit  has  greatly  increased,  and  is 
increasing.  Missionary  Societies  established  a centu- 
ry ago,  have  been  growing  in  strength  and  usefulness, 
and  are  continually  extending  the  fields  of  their  la- 
bours. Rut  tin:  last  twenty  years  form  a distinguished 
period  in  the  history  of  missions.  Within  that  time 
numerous  and  extensive  societies  have  been  formed, 


( W ) 

and  great  sums  expended  in  propagating  the  Gospel 
among  the  heathen.  Missionary  establishments  have 
been  formed  in  the  most  distant  parts  of  the  world  ; in 
almost  every  nation  and  tongue  of  the  earth,  the  Gos- 
pel  Jubilee  is  beginning  to  be  proclaimed.  Stations 
tor  missionary  labours  are  now  occupied  in  several  isl- 
ands of  the  Pacific  Ocenn,  in  the  south  of  Africa,  in 
several  parts  of  Asia,  in  China,  in  Tartary,  in  the 
West  Indies,  and  among  the  savage  tribes  of  Ameri- 
ca. Numerous  Missionaries  are  labouring  in  these 
different  parts  of  the  Gospel  harvest.  And  though 
they  have  not  been  without  their  trials,  they  have 
preached  the  Gospel  with  very  encouraging  success. 
The  spirit  which  prompted  these  labours  has  been  ris- 
ing and  spreading.  It  was  this  spirit  which,  in  Great 
Britain,  lately  raised  the  voice  of  half  a million  of 
people  to  supplicate  the  favour  of  their  government, 
towards  the  benighted  Pagans.  It  was  this  spirit  which 
lately  influenced  one  of  the  most  powerful  govern- 
ments of  this  world,  hy  a legislative  act,  to  sanction 
this  sacred  cause.  Who  will  say  that  a new  order  of 
things  has  not  commenced,  when  we  see  not  only  in- 
dividuals, and  societies,  but  nations  and  governments 
stepping  forward  and  enlisting  in  the  cause  of  Mis- 
sions ? We  may  hail  this  event,  as  peculiarly  auspi- 
cious, as  a signal  display  of  the  hand  of  God  in  pro- 
tecting this  work.  This  event  is  as  novel  as  it  is  glo- 
rious and  animating.  Here  we  have  one  instance  of 
the  literal  fulfilment  of  the  text.  One  great  king- 
dom of  this  world  has,  already,  by  the  act  of  its  gov- 
ernment, become  a kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  of  his 
Christ  This  sacred  flame  has  lately  been  kindled  on 
this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  Here  the  spirit  of  the  Apos- 
tles has  begun  to  glow  in  the  hearts  of  the  friends  of 
Christ.  They  have  associated  together ; their  hearts 
and  hands  are  in  some  measure  opened  for  the  salva- 
tion of  the  heathen.  A little  band  of  Christian  la- 
bourers has  already  left  our  shores,  to  bear  a message 
of  love  from  the  American  churches.  It  is  no  longer 
problematical  whether  Christians  in  America  possess 
the  same  love  to  souls  w ith  those  of  other  countries 

C 


( 18  ) 

and  ages  ; or  whether  they  shall  share  in  the  blessed- 
ness of  gathering  in  the  heathen  into  the  fold  of  Christ. 
This  spirit  we  hope  is  still  increasing  among  us.  God 
forbid  that  it  should  decline.  Let  it  not  be  said  in  the 
future  days  of  Zion’s  prosperity,  let  it  not  be  remem- 
bered in  heaven,  that  such  a work  should  languish 
here,  through  the  feebleness  of  our  love  to  Christ,  or 
from  a superior  love  to  this  present  world.  Let  it  nev- 
er be  said  that  the  children  of  the  Pilgrims,  who  came 
to  this  wilderness  for  the  sake  of  their  religion,  are 
the  last  to  convey  its  blessings  to  those  Who  are  per- 
ishing for  lack  of  vision. 

The  present  state  and  prospects  of  missionary  la- 
bours give  the  most  animating  assurances  that  a glo- 
rious day  is  hastening.  Trials  have  indeed  been  ex- 
perienced, and  trials  were  to  be  expected  ; for  what 
great  and  good  work  has  ever  been  accomplished  w ith- 
out trials  ? This  has  been  the  ordinary  way  in  which 
God  has  prepared  his  children  for  blessings.  From 
the  persecution  that  arose  about  Stephen,  down  to  the 
present  day,  trials  and  persecutions  have  been  the 
means ' of  spreading  the  gospel,  and  have  prepared 
the  way  for  its  success.  We  are  not  then  to  suppose 
that  some  new  thing  has  happened  to  us  in  these  days, 
because  we  meet  with  trials  in  this  work.  Who  that 
possesses  human  nature  can  safely  be  employed  in  this 
great  and  glorious  work,  without  trials  ? God  will 
have  it  known  that  this  is  the  work  of  man  only  in  a 
subordinate  sense,  and  that  the  excellency  of  the  pow- 
er belongs  exclusively  to  himself.  But  the  clouds 
which  have  hung  over  some  part  of  the  missionary 
held  appear  to  be  scattering. 

The  mission  to  the  South  Sea,  has  long  been  beset 
with  disaster.  For  about  fifteen  years  the  missiona- 
ries at  that  station  struggled  with  obstacles  and  dan- 
gers, almost  despairing  of  success,  and  nearly  com- 
pelled to  abandon  their  enterprise  ; but  late  accounts 
from  that  quarter  wear  the  most  favorable  aspect. 
The  king  of  Otaheite  has  hopefully  become  a real 
convert  to  the  Christian  faith,  and  is  preparing  a place 
for  public  Christian  worship.  Those  who  went  out 


( 19  ) 

weeping,  bearing  precious  seed,  now  return  with  joy, 
bringing  their  sheaves  with  them.  The  Missionaries 
from  our  own  country  it  is  known  have  been  severely 
tried.  Their  faith  and  love  have  been  put  to  the  test, 
by  unexpected  obstacles,  which  for  a while  prevented 
their  usefulness.  But  at  length  the  cloud  is  dispelled, 
the  difficulties  are  removed,  and  we  have  reason  to 
believe  that  they  are  now  pursuing  their  work  without 
annoyance.  The  trials  w hich  they  have  experienced, 
have  not  been  w ithout  their  benefits.  Without  these 
trials,  the  strength  of  their  faith,  and  their  « ted  fast- 
ness in  the  cause,  could  hot  have  been  so  fully  known. 
They  have  manifested  an  Apostolic  firmness,  an 
unshaken  resolution,  which  is  honorable  to  the  cause 
and  to  their  country  ; and  it  must  afford  no  small 
consolation,  that  men  have  been  sent  on  this  great  er- 
rand who  can  hear  trials,  and  who  will  not  easily  he 
diverted  from  their  object.  It  must  greatly  increase 
our  confidence  in  them,  and  our  exertions  for  their 
support. 

Thus  is  the  cause  of  missions  rising.  New  light  is 
constantly  breaking  forth,  new  information  is  gained, 
new  fields  ace  opening,  and  new  facilities  are  afforded. 
And  are  all  these  things  of  no  weight  to  convince  us 
that  glorious  times  are  at  hand  ? Is  it  nothing  that  the 
Gospel  has,  within  a few  years,  been  preached  to  mil- 
lions of  our  race  who  never  heard  it  before,  and  that 
it  is  rapidly  dispelling  the  darkness  of  pagan  super- 
stition ? Nothing1  that  the  tidings  of  salvation  are  now 
proclaimed  under  the  very  temples  of  eastern  idols  ; 
that  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  are  preached  to 
those  multitudes  which  are  assembled  to  worship  a 
painted  block  ? Nothing  that  the  tribes  of  Israel,  and 
a Christian  church,  possessing  the  oracles  of  God, 
have  been  discovered  in  the  regions  of  the  east  by  the 
researches  of  a Buchan  n ? Lift  up  your  eyes  and  see, 
the  fields  are  already  white  to  the  harvest. 

Nearly  allied  to  these  signs,  are  those  which  arise 
from  exertions  to  translate  the  Bible  into  all  languages, 
and  to  diffuse  the  word  of  life.  It  is  indeed  matter 
of  astonishment  that  the  Bible  should  have  remained  so 


( 20  ) 

long  confined  within  such  narrow  limits ; and  that 
Christians  of  other  ages  have  not  been  awake  to  this 
great  and  interesting  subject. 

But  when  we  see  the  Bible  breaking  over  the  limits 
which  had  circumscribed  its  benefits,  and  shedding  its 
glorious  light  upon  the  “ dark  places  of  the  earth , 
which  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelly,"  do  we  not 
witness  a new  accession  of  light,  which  clearly  marks 
the  approach  of  the  Millennium  ? 

The  extensive  circulation  of  the  scriptures  has  em- 
inently baen  the  work  of  the  last  ten  years.  The  Brit- 
ish and  Foreign  Bible  Society , that  great  rallying  point 
for  the  friends  of  Zion  of  all  denominations,  has  with- 
in that  period  accomplished  wonders.  The  extent  of 
its  patronage,  and  the  wide  spread  of  its  benefits,  in- 
dicate a new  order  of  things  in  the  church.  Under 
its  auspices,  about  200  Bible  Societies  have  already 
been  formed  in  Great  Britain  ; and  its  influence  is 
felt  in  almost  every  part  of  the  world.  This  example 
has  been  followed  by  other  Christian  countries.  A 
glorious  light  has  dawned  upon  the  vast  empire  of 
Russia.  The  Bible  is  beginning  to  find  its  way  to  the 
dark  and  barbarous  regions  of  the  North.  A Bible 
Society  for  the  Russian  empire  has  been  formed,  under 
the  liberal  patronage  of  the  Emperor  himself.  Yes, 
my  brethren,  the  illustrious  Alexander,  who  fell 
on  his  knees  in  the  field  of  battle,  to  return  his  devout 
acknowledgments  to  the  God  of  armies,  has  become  a 
nursing  Father  to  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  He  is  la- 
bouring to  promote  the  knowledge  of  Christ  among 
his  subjects,  and  to  translate  the  Bible  into  the  various 
languages  of  his  empire.  In  view  of  such  facts,  may 
we  not  anticipate  the  time  when  all  the  kingdoms  of 
this  world  will  become  the  kingdoms  of  our'  Lord  ? 
Do  we  not  see  the  prediction  now  fulfilling  ? Bible  So- 
cieties have  also  been  formed  in  several  parts  of  Asia; 
and  are  rapidly  multiplying  in  the  United  States.  The 
Bible  has  already  been  translated,  in  whole  or  in  part, 
into  more  than  fifty  languages,  in  which  it  was  not 
known  before.  Within  a few  years  the  Bible  has  ac- 
tually travelled  round,  the  globe.  Thousands  aud 


( ) 

hundreds  of  thousands  of  Bibles  have  been  distributed 
in  various  parts  of  the  world.  The  worth  ot  the  Bible 
has,  in  this  way,  been  greatly  raised  in  common  esti- 
mation. It  has  become  honorable  to  be  a believer  in 
that  book,  which,  with  the  great  and  wise  of  this 
world,  was  once  an  object  of  general  contempt.  Those 
who  seek  respectability  or  confidence  in  any  station 
of  life,  begin  to  find  it  necessary  to  call  to  their  aid 
the  influence  pf  the  Bible.  Infidelity'  is  dumb.  The 
croaking  frogs  of  the  last  century  have  gone  to  their 
own  place,  and  the  word  of  God  has  tree  course,  and 
is  glorified. 

Who  w ill  say  that  this  is  not  a new  order  of  tilings, 
and  that  the  dawn  of  the  latter  day  glory,  with  in- 
creasing light  and  glory,  does  not  send  its  beams  above 
the  horizon  ? 

To  these  things  we  may  add,  among  the  signs  of 
the  present  time,  those  dreadful  wars  which  have  of 
late  desolated  the  earth.  These  tilings  to  the  natural 
eye  look  discouraging.  And  while  in  the  multitude 
of  present  troubles  we  lose  sight  of'  the  promises,  our 
hearts  sink  within  us,  and  the  church  is  ready  to  say 
“ all  these  things  arc  against  me."  But  to  the  eye  of 
faith  and  in  the  light  of  God’s  word,  a very  different 
prospect  is  presented.  If  we  look  into  the  prophecies, 
we  find  that  unprecedented  calamities  are  foretold  as 
the  immediate  forerunners  of  the  Millennium.  God 
has  a controversy  with  the  nations  which  must  be  set- 
tled. He  will  require  the  blood  of  saints  and  martyrs, 
which  has  been  shed  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus,  at  the 
hands  of  his  enemies.  He  will  give  them  blood  to 
drink.  He  will  also  sift  and  purify  his  church,  that 
he  may  separate  the  precious  from  the  vile.  John  de- 
scribes the  judgments  of  the  harvest  and  the  vintage 
as  immediately  preceding  the  ingathering  of  the  Jews 
with  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles.  Satan,  we  know, 
will  also  in  the  last  days  come  down  with  great  wrath, 
because  he  knows  that  his  time  is  short.  Great  and 
desperate  will  be  his  last  struggles  for  the  empire  Qf 
the  world.  In  the  present  calamities  of  the  w orld  we 
see  nothing  but  what  has  been  fully  predicted.  Aud 


( 22  ) 

these  calamities,  though  gloomy  in  themselves,  are 
among  the  surest  tokens  of  the  last  days.  The  church 
is  safe.  “ See  that  ye  he  not  troubled ,”  says  our  Saviour, 
et  but  lift  up  your  heads  and  rejoice,  for  your  redemption 
drarveth  nigh."  t 

But  while  viewing  the  judgments  of  God  upon  the 
world,  we  must  not  forget  the  signal  displays  of  divine 
favour  towards  Zion.  The  walls  of  Zion  are  rising  in 
these  troublous  times.  There  is  a manifest  distinction 
in  the  present  course  of  Providence,  between  the  in- 
terests of  the  church  and  the  world.  The  furious  pas- 
sions of  men  have  heretofore  been  exercised  in  perse- 
cuting the  people  of  God.  The  church  has  been  the 
point  of  attack,  and  the  object  of  universal  hatred. 
But  now  the  tigers  of  ambition  and  cruelty  have  their 
attention  drawn  away  from  the  Hock  of  Christ.  They 
wreak  their  malice  upon  each  other.  No  persecuting 
power  is  suffered  to  turn  its  force  against  the  walls  of 
Zion.  Her  God  is  in  the  midst  of  her.  Though  the 
kings  of  the  earth  set  themselves,  and  the  rulers  take 
counsel  together  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his 
Anointed  ; lie  that  sitteth  in  the  heavens  shall  laugh  ; 
the  Lord  shall  have  them  in  derision.  They  are  smit- 
ten with  madness,  confusion  is  in  their*camp,  and  they 
are  made  the  instruments  of  divine  displeasure  against 
each  other. 

But  Christians  are  left  to  read  their  Bibles,  to  wor- 
ship their  God,  and  to  send  the  Gospel  to  the  heathen, 
without  fear  or  persecution.  The  clouds  of  Judgment, 
which  are  clouds  of  darkness  to  the  world,  are  a pillar 
of  fire  to  the  church,  to  enlighten  her  path.  Though 
the  world  as  such  is  bathed  in  the  vials  of  divine  wrath, 
Zion  is  prospering.  This  state  of  things  is  without  a 
parallel  in  the  history  of  the  world.  The  hand  of 
God  was  not  so  conspicuous  in  passing  by  the  door- 
posts sprinkled  with  the  paschal  blood,  when  he  slew 
all  the  first  horn  of  Egypt,  as  it  is  now  in  protecting 
his  cause  when  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  shaken 
to  their  foundations. 

Look  at  those  communities  where  the  church  is 
principally  planted,  and  which  God  is  using  as  the  in- 


( 23  ) 

struments  of  spreading  the  Gospel,  and  what  a specta- 
cle do  they  present ! Like  the  Bush  of  Horeb , they 
are  in  the  midst  of  flaming  fire,  and  yet  not  consumed. 

The  state  of  the  world  at  the  present  time  presents 
a wonderful  and  striking  contrast.  On  the  one  hand, 
we  see  upon  the  earth  distress  of  nations  and  perplex- 
ity, men’s  hearts  failing  them  for  fear,  and  for  looking 
after  those  things  which  are  coming  on  the  earth.  On 
the  other,  the  friends  of  Zion  were  never  more  active 
and  successful,  revivals  were  never  more  frequent,  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel  never  more  rapid.  The  angel  is 
flying  m the  midst  of  heaven,  having  the  everlasting- 
gospel  to  preach  to  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth  ; to 
every  nation  and  kindred  and  tongue  and  people. — 
While  we  see  the  fowls  of  heaven  called  to  the  supper 
of  the  gieat  God,  to  eat  the  flesh  of  kings  and  of  cap- 
tains and  of  mighty  men,  to  eat  the  flesh  of  horses 
and  they  that  sit  on  them ; do  we  not  see  the  Bride, 
the  Lamb’s  wife,  adorning  herself  in  goodly  apparel, 
and  making  herself  ready  for  the  marriage  ? 

And  are  these  not  the  last  days  ? f las  not  the  day 
of  glory  already  dawned  ? Is  not  the  time  at  hand, 
when  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  will  become  the 
kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ? — when  the 
Saviour  w ill  commence  his  everlasting  reign  of  righte- 
ousness  and  peace  ? If  no  such  event  had  ever  been 
foretold,  these  sigus  would  warrant  the  belief  that 
some  great  change  favorable  to  the  interests  of  the 
church  is  drawing  near.  But  w hen  we  compare  these 
facts  with  the  predictions  of  God’s  word,  his  faith 
must  be  weak  indeed,  who  can  doubt;  and  his  love 
small,  w ho  is  not  excited  to  action. 

Your  further  indulgence  is  requested,  while,  in  a 
few  words,  1 apply  this  subject  to  the  purposes  of  the 
present,  occasion. 

And  why,  my  Christian  brethren,  are  these  signs  of 
the  latter  day  afforded  us  in  the  Providence  of  God  ? 
"W  hy  is  it  that  we  may  see  so  clearly  that  the  set  time 
to  favour  Zion  is  near?  Is  it  merely  to  gratify  our 
curiosity  ? Are  we  not  rather  to  view  these  things  as 
the  call  of  God  to  all  his  people  to  bestir  themselves? 


I 


( *4  ) 

Are  not  these  signals  thrown  out  to  rally  the  followers 
of  Christ  and  bring-  them  to  the  held  of  action  ? The 
subject  is  certainly  of  the  most  practical  nature.  Once 
admit  the  truth,  so  abundantly  evident,  that  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth  are  speedily  to  be  converted  to 
Christianity,  and  that  universal  holiness  and  peace  are 
soon  to  reign  oil  earth,  once  believe  and  realize  this 
truth ; and  the  question  immediately  arises,  what  man- 
ner of  persons  ought  we  to  be  ? Is  there  not  a part 
for  us  to  act  in  connection  with  this  work  ?■ — We  have 
seen  that  there  is  a part,  an  important  and  necessary 
part,  for  the  children  of  God  to  perform.  Many  of 
us  profess  to  be  the  children  of  God  and  the  followers 
of  Christ ; and  we  all  hope  to  share  in  the  blessed- 
ness of  his  kingdom.  We  have  professed  to  hold  our- 
selves in  readiness  for  the  service  of  Christ  whenever 
he  should  call  for  us.  We  have  professed  to  hold  our 
property  as  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Christ  in  his 
kingdom.  We  have  professed  to  leave  all  for  him,  and 
to  be  ready  to  give  all  up  when  he  requires  the  sacri- 
fice. 

Now  then  is  the  day  of  decision.  The  work  which 
Christ  has  prescribed  to  his  followers  is  clearly  before 
us ; and  the  time  is  come  when  he  is  making  loud 
calls  to  them  to  join  his  standard  and  prove  their  fidel- 
ity. Where  then  are  these  faithful  servants  who  will 
obey  the  summons?  What,  brethren,  is  your  religion ? 
Is  it  to  love  in  word  only  ? Have  you  professed  so 
much,  and  will  you  shrink  from  the  touchstone  of  sin- 
cerity ? Are  you  among  those  who  call  Christ  Lord, 
Lord,  but  do  not  the  things  which  he  says  ? Now  let 
it  appear  who  are  on  the  Lord’s  side,  who  they  are  that 
love  him  in  deed  and  in  truth. 

Brethren,  the  night  is  far  spent,  the  day  is  at  hand, 
let  us  therefore  cast  off  the  works  of  darkness,  and  let 
us  put  on  the  armour  of  light.  The  kingdoms  of  this 
world  belong  to  Christ;  they  are  his  by  right  of  pur- 
chase, and  soon  they  will  be  his  by  conquest.  The 
Spirit  of  God  is  raising  a standard,  and  the  friends  of 
Zion  are  called  upon  to  rally  to  their  post.  The  ad- 
versary is  now  making  his  last  and  desperate  efforts  to 


( 2o  ) 

hold  his  usurped  dominion,  he  is  putting  in  requisition 
all  his  forces.  The  bottomless  pit  pours  forth  its  le- 
gions ; and  the  enemies  of  religion  in  this  world  are 
collecting,  for  the  great  Battle  of  God  Almighty.  And 
shall  the  friends  of  Zion  remain  idle  spectators  of  this 
great  conflict  ? Shall  they  be  the  only  indifferent  be- 
ings in  heaven,  earth  or  hell  ? No  time  is  to  be  lost, 
the  work  is  going  on — Choose  ye  this  day  whom  ye  will 
serve. 

And  what  cause  can  be  more  honorable  and  glori- 
ous than  the  one  in  which  we  now  engage.  It  is  the 
cause  of  humanity.  It  is  to  carry  peace  and  happi- 
ness to  suffering  millions  of  our  race.  It  is  to  snatch 
the  devoted  victim  from  the  bloody  Car  of  an  Idol, 
and  from  the  burning  funeral  pile. 

It  is  the  cause  of  liberty — To  open  the  prison  doors 
of  enslaved  sinners,  who  have  all  their  life  time  been 
subject  to  bondage  ; to  deliver  them  from  the  tyranny 
of  diabolical  customs,  which  render  life  a burden  and 
blast  the  hopes  of  immortality. 

It  is  the  cause  of  God.  It  is  the  work  in  w hich  the 
Holy  Trinity  is  engaged. — The  same  grace  of  God 
which  made  us  what  we  are,  abounds  towards  the 
heathen.  The  same  pardoning  blood  which  paid  our 
ransom  is  sufficient  for  them.  Do  any  of  you  faint  at 
the  magnitude  of  this  enterprise?  Do  you  imagine 
that  your  feeble  efforts  will  be  lost  in  attempting  so 
great  a work  ? Does  cold  prudence  pronounce  the 
attempt  chimerical,  and  are  you  about  to  withdraw 
your  hand  from  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  migh- 
ty ? Look  at  the  Captain  of  our  Salvation,  who  trod 
the  wine  press  of  the  Father’s  wrath  alone  : — has  he 
done  so  much  and  will  he  leave  the  work  unfinished? 
Look  at  th,e  example  of  eleven  poor  fishermen  and 
publicans,  who  found  a world  of  idolatry  arrayed  a- 
gainst  them.  They  had  to  contend  not  only  with  the 
superstitions  of  Paganism,  blit  with  principalities  and 
powers.  Without  a friend  on  earth  to  encourage  them, 
they  entered  on  the  work  with  alacrity.  Look  at  the 
effects  of  their  labours,  and  consider  the  multitudes 

D 


( 26  ) 

now  rejoicing'  in  the  New  Jerusalem,  who  arc  the 
seals  of  their  ministry. 

Look  at  the  promises  of  God,  which  are  exceeding* 
great  and  precious,  and  which  ensure  complete  suc- 
cess. No,  there  is  no  uncertainty  here — They  that 
be  for  us  are  more  than  they  that  be  against  us.  It  is 
the  work  of  God,  it  must  and  will  prosper.  Too 
ranch  is  promised,  too  much  has  already  been  done, 
to  leave  this  a doubtful  case.  And  shall  we,  who  pro- 
fess to  inherit  the  spirit  of  the  Apostles  and  Martyrs; 
shall  we,  who  live  on  the  confines  of  the  Millennium, 
who  see  with  our  own  eyes  the  dawning*  light  of  that 
day;  shall  we  hesitate ? shall  we  doubt ? shall  we 
withhold  a small  portion  of  our  earthly  possessions, 
■when  they  gave  all,  and  counted  not  their  own  lives 
dear  unto  them,  in  the  service  of  Christ? 

Brethren,  we  are  compassed  about  with  a great  cloud 
of  witnesses.  If  the  spirits  of  departed  saints  are  per- 
mitted to  visit  this  world,  and  witness  the  prosperity 
of  Zion,  may  we  not  believe  that  many  of  them  are 
present  in  this  assembly  ? May  we  not  believe  that  the 
spirits  of  Harriot  Newell,  of  Swartz,  of  Luther  and 
of  Paul,  are  watching  the  transactions  of  this  day  ? 
And  O,  could  we  rise  Lo  their  views  of  the  great  work 
before  us,  w ould  not  the  streams  of  Christian  liberality 
begin  to  flow  ? Holy  Angels  are  here,  and  the  Saviour 
himself  is  looking  on,  to  inspect  not  only  our  actions 
but  our  hearts.  Let  us  then  act  worthily  of  our  char- 
acter and  our  profession.  Let  not?  benevolent  spirits 
blush  at  our  coldness  and  unbelief. 

We  have  seen  that  the  work  before  us  is  to  he  ac- 
complished by  means,  and  bv  the  exertions  of  the  peo- 
ple of  God.  Now,  the  question  is,  my  brethren,  will 
you  make  those  exertions?  The  Gospel  must  be 
preached  to  every  creature,  and  the  Bible  translated 
into  all  languages.  And  now,  will  you  give  your  aid 
iu  this  work  ? But  you  ask,  what  shall  we  do  ? We 
cannot  go  forth  as  labourers  in  this  field  ; we  cannot 
translate  the  Bible;  what  then  shall  we  do?  Shall  we 
pray  ? — Yes,  pray  with  strong  faith  and  full  hearts. — 
But  is  this  all?  Can  you  not  otter  a sacrifice  of  the 


( 27  ) 

bands  as  well  as  of  the  lips?  Those  who  go  forth  as 
labourers  need  support  and  encouragement.  This  you 
can  give:  and  this,  if  you  love  the  Saviour,  you  will 
give.  And  what  is  wanting  to  carry  on  this  work  ? 
Is  it  necessary  funds  to  defray  the  expense  ? Is  tins  all  ? 
Yes,  .brethren,  this,  is  all.  God  has  provided  that 
which  we  could  not  do,  and  requires  of  us  to  do  only 
w hat  we  can.  He  has  put  the  spirit  of  the  Apostles 
into  many  in  our  land,  who  are  willing  to  devote  them- 
selves to  this  work.  And  now  the  question  is,  shall 
they  he  sent  ? Will  the  American  churches  supply 
them  with  the  necessaries  of  life?  They  ask  no  com- 
pensation for  their  labours;  their  lives  and  their  all 
they  have  given  to  Christ.  They  only  ask  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  that  they  may  give  themselves  to  the 
work.  And  will  you,  my  hearers,  lend  a helping 
hand  ? Can  you  not  sacrifice  a few  momentary  grati- 
fications, can  you  not  dispense  with  some  of  the  empty 
shew  of  this  world,  that  the  heathen  may  hear  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation?  This,  my  Christian  brethren,  is 
the  question  on  which  you  are  now  called  to  act,  and 
which  you  will  presently  decide.  Let  the  question 
then  come  to  your  consciences;  let  it  enter  into  your 
hearts.  Will  you  not  give  something,  my  hearers,  for 
the  salvation  of  the  heathen  ? 

Friends  of  humanity  ! will  you  not  compassionate 
the  miseries  of  vour  fellow-mortals  A ho  cry  to  you  for 
help?  Where  is  the  good  Samaritan  here,  who  feels 
for  the  woes  of  others,  and  whose  heart  is  open  for 
their  relief?  . Here  are  objects  for  your  pity  ; and  will 
you  pass  by  on  the  other  side? 

Friends  of  Jesus  ! w ill  you  not  give  something  for 
the  honour  of  him  w ho  gave  his  life  for  you ; who  be- 
came poor  that  you  might  he  rich.  Will  you  make 
no  return  for  the  agony  of  the  garden,  and  the  groans 
of  the  cross  ? “ Freely  ye  have  received , freely  give." 
If  you  ask  what  shali  be  the  measure  ot  your  offering’, 
consider  the  magnitude  of  the  work.  More  than  half 
our  race  are  still  in  darkness  and  error.  Consider  the 
nearness  of  the  latter  day  glory,  and  the  shortness  of 
the  time  in  which  this  great  work  is  to  be  done.  Con- 


( 28  ) 

sider  also  the  immense  benefits  which  you  may  now  ex- 
pect to  flow  from  all  you  do  in  this  cause.  God  is  rea- 
dy to  pour  out  his  blessing,  he  asks  you  to  prove  him 
with  an  offering  ; and  let  your  offering  be  in  propor- 
tion to  your  desires  for  the  good  of  Zion,  and  the  ad- 
vancement of  its  interests.  We  live  in  a wonderful 
day  ; great  things  are  to  be  done  ; and  great  must  be 
the  zeal  and  liberality  of  Christians. 

Give  then  as  you  would  if  the  heathen  in  all  their 
wretchedness  were  now  before  you  ; as  you  would  if 
you  now  heard  the  groans  of  the  wretched  victims 
forced  into  the  flames  ; as  you  would  if  you  were  now 
before  the  horrid  idol  of  the  east,  and  saw  its  track 
marked  with  human  blood  ; as  you  would,  if  you 
now  saw  the  ground  for  fifty  miles  around  you  whit- 
ened with  the  bones  of  human  victims  : give  as  you 
would  if  the  Saviour  himself  were  now  standing  in  the 
midst  of  this  assembly,  and,  showing  you  his  hands 
and  bleeding  side,  should  say — “ All  this  have  I done 
for  the  salvation  of  the  heathen  ; and  will  you , can  yon 
do  nothing  ?” Amen, 


